Portable hand fire extinguisher



Nov. 21, 1950 Filed Sept. 19, 1947 A. B. GUISE ET AL PORTABLE HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER 3 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 21, 1950 A. B. GUISE ETAL PORTABLE HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 19, 1947 .Z7zaczz/am 6-0 I 5 m T/7color JOhnJoq Nov. 21, 1950 A. B. GUISE EI'AL PORTABLE HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER- 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 19, 1947 Patented Nov. 21, 1950 4 PORTABLE HAND FIRE EXTlNGUISHElt Arthur B. Guise and Theodore W. Johnson, Marinette, Wis., assignors to Ansul Chemical Company, Marinette, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application September 19, 1947, Serial No. 775,044

16 Claims. (Cl. l6931) The invention relates to improvements in flre extinguishing equipment. More specifically, the invention concerns fire-extinguishing equipment of the type wherein a dry, powdered, free-flowing, non-caking fire extinguishing composition is expelled and borne under high pressure by an inert gas to the flame to be extinguished.

An object of the invention is to provide a hand portable fire extinguisher comprising a dry chemical container in combination with a cartridge containing a highly compressed inert gas, said cartridge being disposed-in an easily accessible position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a protective means for the cartridge to discourage tampering.

Another object of the invention is to protect the cartridge against mechanical injury by impact.

Another object of the invention is to prevent the cartridge from unscrewing from the cartridge receiver.

Another object of the invention is to impart a symmetrical, unitary appearance to the combination of cartridge and dry chemical container.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the equipment, wherein Figure 1 is a rear elevational view of our fire extinguisher;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary, rear view of our apparatus, partly in section, illustratingthe relationship of the dry chemical container, a cooperating gas cartridge and a guard for said cartridge;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary, side view, partly in section, illustrating means for locking the cartridge opening means to prevent accidental opening thereof;

,Figure 4 is a fragmentary, rear, sectional view Showing in detail the relationship of the dry chemical container, the gas cartridge, a fitting connecting the container and cartridge, means for releasing the gas from within the cartridge and a guard for the cartridge;

Figure 5 is a view taken along the line 5--5 of Figure 4, showing the means for mounting the guard upon the cartridge;

Figure 6 is a view of the inside face of the cartridge guard;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the cartridge guard shown i F u 6;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary plan view, partly in.

section, illustrating the relationship of the dry chemical container, the cartridge connected thereto and the cartridge guard; and

Figure 9 is a fragmental elevational, side view of the upper portion of the cartridge guard,

- within the container wall.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, the fire extinguishing apparatus comprises a metal container I0, preferably of steel and cylindrical in shape, for storing a powdered, free-flowing, non-caking, fire-extinguishing composition of the type, for example, as disclosed i Block Patent No. 1,793,420, February 17, 1931. The container I0 is provided with the usual internal threaded collar l l, a threaded fill cap l2 and an intermediate fill cap gasket l3 to allow filling the container III with a suitable dry chemical and securely closing same. A carrying handle I4 is secured to the collar II by a pin l5. An outlet hose I6 is connected to the lower portion of the container I0 through an elbow I1, which is preferably threaded The hose I6 is provided at its free end with a nozzle I8. A nozzle handle l9 pivoted on a pin 20 and mounted on a spring 2| permits the operator to actuate a plunger or valve (not shown) withi the nozzle to thereby cause a stream of fire extinguishing materials to be emitted from the nozzle.

An internally threaded, hollow cartridge receiving stud 30 is secured within an opening in the wall of the container l0 as by welding. The interior portion of the stud 30 is provided with a gas outlet tube 3| which extends downwardly with its outlet end spaced from the bottom of the container III. A cartridge receiver fitting 32 is threaded within the stud 30. The cartridge receiver fitting 32 possesses a channel 33 between its cartridge receiving portion and the portion fitting within the stud 30.

A metal cartridge 40, preferably of steel and cylindrical in shape, containing an inert gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, under compression is provided with an internallyand externally threaded collar 4|. At 70 F. carbon dioxide is maintained in the cartridge at a pressure of approximately 850 pounds per square inch. If nitrogen is used, the pressure is approximately 2150 pounds per square inch. The cartridge is relatively small in size compared to the container Ill. The cartridge receiver fitting 32 is dimensioned so that the cartridge will be positioned immediately adjacent the container Ill but spaced therefrom. The cartridge 40 is threaded within I the cartridge receiver fitting 32 at 42 (see Figdisk is maintained in gas-tight contact against the flange 44 by a hollow, threaded sealingplug 36 threaded within the collar 42. If desired. suitable washers may be interposed adjacent the sealing disk and the surfaces which clampthe disk to further assure the gas-tightness of the seal.

To permit the gas in the cartridge to exercise its function, means is provided for puncturing the sealing disk 46. A hand operable lever 56 is pivotally mounted at one end thereof by means of a pin to an upright link 52. The link 52 is fixedly secured to a top portion of the cartridge receiver fitting 32 by a pin 53. A puncture'pin 54 is pivotally connected at its upper end to a bracket 55 carried by the lever 50 by a pin 55'. The puncture pin j4 extends through a vertically disposed opening in the cartridge receiver fitting 32 which provides an'unobstructed channel to the face of the sealing disk 46. The puncture pin 541s provided with a penetrating or cutting edge 56 for puncturing the disk 46 when downward motion is imparted to the pin 54. The pin is of such length that when the lever 50 is in its upward, inoperative position, the cutting edge will be above the disk 46. The fitting 32 is recessed at 51 to receive a packing 58, a packing washer 58 and a packing retaining ring 60, which encircle the reciprocable pin 54 and provide a The structure thus far described comprises a dry chemical container and a gas cartridge of relatively smaller size retained immediatel adjacent the container.

cartridge receiver fitting which also is provided with means for puncturing the sealing means of the cartridge to thereby allow the compressed 4 portions 66 are formed to provide addition strength and rigidity to this portion of the guard 6| which cooperatively engages the groove 64. The groove 64 is of greater width than the thickness formed by the flanged or reinforced, retaining portions 66. If desired, the entire periphery of the U-shaped opening 65 may be formed with the flanged retaining means. The top portion 63 is recessed at 81 to'permit the stud 30 to extend there-through.

To further assure that the guard 6| is maintained in cartridge covering position, one or more spring clips 68 are suitably fastened, as by rivets 69, to the inside face of the guard 6 I. The spring clips 68 are adapted to removably embrace the cartridge 40. Moreover, the cartridge guard 6i prevents the untimely unscrewing of the cartridge 40 from the cartridge receiver fitting 32 through the frictional resistance of the spring ure 4. This preferred positioning of the spring The cartridge and container are in cooperative relation through the,

inert gas to enter the dry chemical container where the gas acts as a medium for carrying the dry, powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical under the desired pressure through the nozzle to the area of application. The apparatus described has proved to be highly satisfactory, particularly as a hand-portable unit, because of the easy accessibility to the point where the cartridge can be attached or replaced. However, the assembled unit is unsymmetrical and thus not entirely suitable for rough handling. In addition, the carabut the wall of the container ID. The guard 6| and the container iii which it abuts coact to form a substantially closed chamber for the cartridge. To maintain the guard 6| in its desired cartridge covering position, the top portion 63 is formed for cooperative engagement with-a horizontally disposed groove 64 (see Figures 1 and 4) provided about the outer periphery of the cartridge receiver fitting 32. The groove 64 serves to prevent vertical displacement of the cartridge guard and prevents the bottom of the cartridge guard from being shifted from its normal position with respect to the dry chemical container l0 and the cartridge 40. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the top portion 63 is cut or formed with a U-shaped opening 65. Preferably, the legs of U-shaped opening 65 are provided with horizontally disposed flanged portions 66 formed by bending extensions integral with the guard. The flanged clips 68 is not necessary however, since the cartridge is prevented from unscrewing, though to a lesser degree of reliability, when the spring clip or clips are positioned to embrace another segment or segments of the cartridge 40.

The guard 6| may be maintained in the cartridge covering position by means of the spring clips 68 in combination with the edge of the U- shaped portion in the top of the guard 6! in cooperation with the groove 64; or by means of the spring clips alone with the cooperative engagement of the U-shaped portion 65 with groove 64 eliminated.

M ans is provided for releasably sealing the equipment against tampering. A ring pin 10 is inserted through the hand lever 50 and its link 52 to prevent downward movement of the puncture pin 54 through the cartridge sealing disk 46. Removal of the ring pin 10 is required before the equipment may be used. The ring pin 70 is suitably fastened to the equipment by a chain 1| so that the ring pin will not be lost and will be available for reuse. A lead and wire seal 12 is threaded through the ring pin 10 and a slot I3 in the guard 6! to inform a fire inspector whether olitllllot the equipment has been used or tampered w The above described construction provides a guard for the a pended cartridge and also imparts a symmetrical contour to the combination of elements. The guard tightly abuts the container it so that the equipment has the appearance of an integral unit. Moreover, as shown in Figure 1, it requires a simple push or pull manual action to place or remove the guard into or out of cartridge covering position; The design of the cartridge guard is such that it serves to resist mechanical inJury by blows from the side as well as from the front or rear of the extinguisher. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, a space is provided between the cartridge 40 and the guard 6i as well as the container l0. Any accidental blows or impacts against the guard or container are therefore not transmitted to the.

cartridge 40 so that it is protected against inJury or damage. The symmetrical fit of the cartridge guard against the dry chemical container is such that a blow from the front or rear of the extinguisher will push the cartridge guard against the side of the dry chemical container because the points of contact are on the circumference of the cylinder forming the dry chemical container. Also, the groove in which the cartridge guard fits prevents twisting of the cartridge guard by a blow at the base from the front or rear of the extinguisher. Furthermore, the guard through its attached spring clips prevents undesirable unscrewing of the cartridge which would normally be caused by vibration or other causes.

With the equipment as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the dry chemical container filled with a powdered fire-extinguishing chemical of the type hereinbefore referred to and the cartridge filled with the inert gas, the equipment is used as follows. The fire fighter breaks the lead and wire seal 12 and removes the ring pin 10. The lever 50 is pressed down causing the piercing edge 56 of the puncture pin 54 to pass through the cartridge sealing disk 48.

The highly compressed inert gas passes through the channel 33 and into the dry chemical container l through the tube 3|. Holding the equipment in one hand by the handle I4 and squeezing with the other hand on the nozzle handle IS, the fire-extinguishing, powdered chemical is directed at the fire in a high-powered stream, due to the compressed inert gas released from the cartridge. Upon striking the flame, a highly increased volume of non-toxic fire-smothering gases is generated.

To recharge the equipment, any remaining gas is first removed from the equipment by squeezing on the nozzle hand e. The fill can I2 is unscrewed and the container l0 filled with a fresh supply of drv, powdered. fire-extinguishing chemical. The fill cap is firmly screwed into place. The puncture pin actuating handle 50 is returned to its normal position which maintains the buncture pin 5| in its upward, inoperative position. The ring pin is then replaced. The cartridge guard BI is removed and the cartridge l0 unscrewed and removed from the fitting 32. A new cartridge is secured in place. The cartridge guard is re laced and the equipment sealed with the lead and wire seal and is now ready for reuse.

The present invention may be embodied in other s ecific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof. It is desired that the present specific embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoin description to indicate the scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, means connecting said cartridge to said container to permit said gas to fiow within said container and a removable guard enveloping said cartridge but spaced therefrom .and contacting said container and means on the guard for retaining same on the cartridge.

2. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, means connecting said cartridge to said container to permit said gas to flow within said container, a removable guard enveloping said cartridge but spaced therefrom and contacting said container and a spring clip secured to the inner face of said guard embracing said cartridge for retaining the guard on the cartridge.

3. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and tridge to said container to permit said gas to flow within said container, said fitting having a groove on the periphery thereof and a removable guard enveloping said cartridge and contacting said container, said guard having a portion thereof supported and retained within said groove.

5. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said containefto permit said gas to flow within said container, said fitting having a groove on the periphery thereof, a removable guard enveloping said cartridge and contacting said container, said guard having a portion thereof supported and retained within said groove and a spring clip secured to the inner face of said guard embracing said cartridge.

6. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container. to pn'mit said gas to flow within said container, said fitting having a groove on the periphery thereof and a removable guard enveloping said cartridge and contacting said container, said guard being provided with a flanged retaining means cooperable with said groove.

7. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container to permit said gas to fiow within said container, said fitting having a groove on the periphery thereof and a removable guard enveloping said cartridge and contacting said container, said guard being provided at its top portion with an integrally formed reinforcing flange, said flange being retained within said groove.

8. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container to permit said gas to fiow within said container, said fitting having a groove on the periphery thereof, a removable. substantially concave guard disposed over said cartridge with its side and bottom edges abut- 7 ting said container whereby the cartridge is enclosed within a substantially closed chamber, the top portion of said guard having a recess formed therein whereby said top portion fits about said fitting with the edge of said guard retained within said groove.

9. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a sealed compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container, said fitting being provided with means for removably receiving said cartridge and means for puncturing said cartridge seal whereby gas will fiow from said cartridge within said container through said fitting, a groove formed in the periphery of said fitting and a removable, substantially concave guard enveloping said cartridge and contacting said container, said guard having a portion thereof supported and retained within said groove.

10. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a sealed compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container, said fitting being provided with means for removably receiving said cartridge and means for puncturing said cartridge seal whereby gas will fiow from said cartridge within said container through said fitting, a groove formed in the periphery of said fitting, a removable, substantially concave guard enveloping said cartridge and contacting said container, said guard having a portion thereof supported and retained within said groove. and a spring clip secured to the inner face of said guard embracing said container.

11. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a sealed compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container, said fitting being provided with means for removably receiving said cartridge and means for puncturing said cartridge seal whereby gas will flow from said cartridge within said container through said fitting, a groove formed in the periphery of said fitting and a removable, substantially concave guard enveloping said cartridge and contacting said container, said guard being provided at its top portion with a flanged retaining means cooperable with said groove.

12. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a sealed compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container, said fitting being provided with means for removably receiving said cartridge and means for puncturing said cartridge seal whereby gas will flow from said cartridge within said container through said fitting, a groove formed in the periphery of said fitting, a removable, substantially concave guard disposed over said cartridge with its side and bottom edges abutting said container whereby the cartridge is enclosed within a substantially closed chamber, the top portion of said guard having a recess formed therein whereby said top portion fits about said fitting with the edge of said guard retained within said groove.

13. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinthe cartridge is enclosed within a substantially closed chamber, the top portion of said guard being recessed and having an integrally formed flanged portion whereby said top portion fits about said fitting with said flanged portion retained within said groove and a spring clip secured to the inner face of said guard embracing said cartridge.

'14. Fire extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire extinguishing chemical, a sealed compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container and adjacent thereto, a fitting connecting said cartridge to said container, said fitting being provided with means for removably receiving said cartridge and means for puncturing said cartridge seal whereby gas will flow from said cartridge within said container through said fitting, a removable, substantially concave guard enveloping said cartridge but spaced therefrom and contacting said container and a spring clip secured to the inner face of said guard embracing said cartridge for retaining the guard on the cartridge.

15. Fire-extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container adjacent thereto and spaced therefrom, means connecting said cartridge to said container to permit said gas to fiow within said container and a guard enveloping said cartridge spaced therefrom and contacting said container, and means on the guard for retaining same on the cartridge.

16. Fire-extinguishing equipment comprising a container for storing a powdered, fire-extinguishing chemical, a compressed gas-containing cartridge disposed outside of said container adjacent thereto and spaced therefrom, means connecting said cartridge to said container to permit said gas to fiow within said container and a guard enveloping said cartridge and spaced therefrom, and means on the guard for retaining same on the cartridge, said guard havinglree edges thereof in abutting contact with said container so that any accidental impact against the guard will be transmitted to the container and not to said cartridge.

ARTHUR B. GUISE. THEODORE W. JOHNSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Num er Name Date 1,097,435 Hinkel May 19, 1914 2,098,454 Kelley, Jr. Nov. 9, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 413,598 Great Britain July 19, 1934 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,531,123 November 21, 1950 ARTHUR B. GUISE ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 3, line 28, after the Words provide a. insert gas-tight seal (see Figure 4).; and that the said Letters Patent should be read as corrected above, so that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oflice. Signed and sealed this 13th day of February, A. Do 1951.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

